Known locally as “Le Dix-Septieme” (“The Seventeeth”), Batignolles-Monceau is one of the 20 arrondissements in Paris. Once an industrial area, it is now predominantly a residential district, with eclectic shops, charming bistros and trendy bars lining its streets. Several of Batignolles-Monceau’s beautiful old townhouses are now occupied by museums.
Things to do in 17th arrondissement
The largest green space in the 17th arrondissement is the Square des Batignolles, which was laid out in the 1870s by Jean-Charles Adolphe Alphand. It is designed in a naturalistic English style, with undulating lawns, meandering paths and an impressive variety of mature trees. In addition to a glass-walled gazebo filled with tropical palms, there’s a children’s carousel and a court for playing petanque.
Art enthusiasts can visit the Musee National Jean-Jacques Henner, which showcases a large collection of portraits by the 19th-century Alsatian painter. It occupies an 1878-built townhouse designed by Nicolas Felix Escalier that was once owned by the artist Guillaume Dubufe. Also on display are sketches and studies, as well as descriptions of Henner’s work by critics of the day.
Batignolles-Monceau is also home to the Cité de l’Economie, which is dedicated to the economic history of France. It is housed within the Neo-Gothic-style Hotel Gaillard, which was built for a Grenoble banker and art collector. Today, it features interactive exhibits, vintage equipment and history coins and offers the opportunity to print banknotes in the vault.
Getting around 17th arrondissement
Batignolles-Monceau is around 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Paris and 25 minutes from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Both trains and metro services stop at the Pont Cardinet station. Buses travel throughout the 17th arrondissement, connecting most of its attractions.